WELFARE IN DANISH DAIRY HERDS .1. DISEASE MANAGEMENT ROUTINES IN 1983AND 1994

This paper presents the first part of a questionnaire survey carried o ut in 2148 Danish dairy herds during 1994, as well as results from a s imilar survey carried out in 1983. The welfare status in Danish dairy herds with respect to disease management routines currently applied is discussed. In derail this was: recording of mastitis incidents, use o f veterinarian for milk fever cases, farmer's effort in reducing incid ence of mastitis, milk fever, ketosis, calving problems, and lameness, as well as frequency of claw trimming, reasons for culling, and way o f replacing cullings. Furthermore, trends during the 11 year period ar e discussed. The results show that the Danish dairy farmers in 1994 in general have a substantial knowledge of prevention and treatment of d isease. However, adjustments in the following areas would be appropria te: 1) farmers should avoid making intravenous infusions, 2) they shou ld be encouraged to use calving boxes fur parturitions, 3) there shoul d be more attention on claw health, and 4) to comply with the new Dani sh legislation, antibiotic dry cow treatment should only be carried ou t on the individual cow if pathogenic microorganisms have been isolate d within 35 days prior to drying off.